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News & Notes

BAL License Conversion

By August 31, 2015, any educator who holds a Beginning Administrator License (BAL) must convert or advance the license to an Instructional Leader License (ILL). Read more about BAL conversion.

Training on TNCompass

The department has developed a new online data system for licensure transactions called TNCompass. We will be hosting two training sessions to review this new system. Participants may attend the training sessions in person or via online webinar. In addition, the training will be recorded and posted for individuals who are not able to attend either of the two events.

Both training sessions will be held at William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower in Nashville. If you plan to attend the training session in person, RSVP using the links below. Please note that space is limited to 85 participants in each session.

End of Course Examination Changes for Core Math and Geometry

Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Core Math I, II, III will have End of Course exams beginning in 2015-16. Teachers of record who teach above Algebra I or Core Math I must carry a secondary mathematics endorsement.

Algebra I Employment Standards

Changes

Pursuant to TCA 49-6-6006 and State Board Policy, anyone listed as the teacher of record for a course above Algebra I or Core Math I must carry a secondary mathematics endorsement. Any teacher interested in teaching Algebra I or integrated Core Math I at any grade level who does not currently hold a secondary mathematics endorsement must meet the State Board approved employment standard. This chiefly affects middle school teachers who are teaching Algebra 1 or Core Math I and special education teachers who are serving as the teacher of record. At the Oct. 31, 2014 meeting, the State Board of Education approved on final reading two additional options for educators to meet the requirements for eligibility; these changes will take effect spring 2015.

In order to teach Algebra I or Core Math I without a secondary mathematics endorsement, educators must pass the Middle School Mathematics Praxis (test 5169) AND must meet one of the following:

Attend a state-approved training. Additional training options have been approved. For questions about specific trainings, interested educators should contact the person listed. - OR -

Take and pass a supplemental test approved by the department. The department is in the process of reviewing and approving supplemental tests. More information will be provided in March 2015.

In addition, the state board ruled that teachers with a level 5 TVAAS score in Algebra I (one-year, two-year, or three-year) in the 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 school years do NOT need to take the training or pass the supplemental test. These educators must still pass the Middle School Mathematics Praxis (test 5169) to be eligible to teach Algebra I or Core Math I. The Tennessee Department of Education will send Directors of Schools a list of teachers whose TVAAS scores meet the employment standard in January 2015.

Look for more information to be communicated in the new year regarding changes to the employment standards.

Questions about the Employment Standard should be directed to David Williams, coordinator of mathematics content and resources, David.S.Williams@tn.gov.

State-Approved Trainings

The department has approved additional training options for teachers to meet the Algebra 1 Employment Standard. Registration forms, training dates, and contact information is provided for each training option below. All questions related specific training options should be directed to the contact person listed with each training.

Call for Applications to Offer the Algebra I Employment Standards Training

Recognizing there have not been enough training offerings to meet the demand, the department is accepting applications for additional state-approved trainings. Applications can come from districts, institutions of higher education or outside organizations. Download the criteria and application here.